CAMBODIA

From first glimpse, the iconic towers of Angkor Wat will bring goose bumps to the hide of even the most well-traveled adventurer. On closer inspection, the exquisite bas-reliefs are truly remarkable. Arrive early to see the sunrise for an unforgettable experience.

Largely untouched by archaeologists, this evocative temple remains in the grasp of the jungle. Immense kapok trees grow through the gray sandstone galleries offering a glimpse of what this entire area resembled prior to being excavated.

With its collection of ponds representing the natural elements and unusual design, this compact shrine is thought to have been a place for healing and medical treatment.

The “Citadel of Women” is a small jewel of a temple built 50 miles northeast of Angkor. It's rose-colored sandstone walls house what many consider to be the best carvings and bas-reliefs of any Angkorian temple. The standard of work and the state of preservation make Banteay Srei extraordinary.

A day trip from the main Angkor complex, this rarely-visited temple complex is well worth a look. The three temples (Bakong, Lolei and Preah Ko) were built in the late 9th century and are the oldest in the Angkor area.

Nature is re-staking her claim on the ruins of Beng Mealea. En route, pass small traditional villages before coming upon this mysterious temple being enveloped by the jungle. You’ll understand the thrill French explorer Henri Mouhot surely felt when he came upon the overgrown temples of Angkor in the mid-19th century.

Take a sunrise boat trip on placid Tonle Sap lake to see the local stilt houses, boats full of vegetables, and the pulse of traditional life as it has existed for centuries.

An exquisite royal temple, the Silver Pagoda houses two remarkable Buddha statues. One is carved from a single piece of crystal and the other is a life-sized gold and diamond-encrusted icon.

Bustling meeting places for the locals, these markets are the best place to shop for kramas (traditional checked scarves), fragrant garlands or rare books. However, caveat emptor—counterfeit items abound.

This city hosts Khmer temples, French colonial architecture, a colorful market and interesting museums. It’s a pleasant riverboat trip to/from Siem Reap.

This quaint little town is situated around two lakes and surrounded by green rolling hills and remarkable waterfalls. The Phnong tribal people—easily recognizable for the distinctive baskets on their backs in which they carry seemingly everything including small children—inhabit the surrounding hills.

Rich with abundant wilderness areas and exotic black-sand beaches, Kep is a delight for nature-lovers. Nearby Rabbit Island offers beautiful white sand beaches and shallow bays ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Located between Kep and Sihanoukville, the beaches near Kampot are perfect for those who really want to get away from it all and relax.